On Wednesday 10 July, the Committee on Exiting the European Union returns with an evidence session as part of its over-arching inquiry examining the progress of the UK’s negotiations on EU withdrawal. The Committee will first question Cabinet Office Minister David Lidington MP, followed by Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, Sir Keir Starmer.

Purpose of the session

In this session, the Committee will focus on the cross-party talks between the Government and Labour Party, which took place in the wake of the Prime Minister’s third unsuccessful attempt to win a House of Commons majority for the draft Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on the future relationship. Following the 29 March vote, the offer of cross-party talks was accepted by the Leader of the Opposition on 2 April, and there were a number of meetings until the talks broke down on 17 May.

Both witnesses will be questioned on the events that led up to the talks being entered into, the progress that was made over the course of their six-week duration, and why they ultimately failed to produce an agreement on a way forward.

In its session with the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Committee is also expected to focus on the constitutional implications of a possible vote of no confidence in a new Prime Minister, as well as the role of the Cabinet Office in preparing for a no-deal departure.